By: Saneliso Mlambo
In a day of high drama at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala made explosive allegations against former Police Minister Bheki Cele.
Matlala alleged that Cele instructed him to continue paying political fixer Brown Mogotsi. He said Cele wanted him to maintain contact with Mogotsi and uncover an intelligence plot involving current Police Minister Senzo Mchunu.
Matlala told the commission on Monday that Cele urged him to continue the payments. According to Matlala, Cele believed Mogotsi was working under Mchunu’s authority.
Matlala said Cele believed continued payments could eventually “lead them to Mchunu”.
The testimony exposed alleged political infighting within the South African Police Service and intelligence structures.
Matlala testified that Cele had warned him about a plan targeting senior police leadership. He said the plan involved removing Crime Intelligence head General Dumisani Khumalo.
Matlala alleged that General Feroz Khan would replace Khumalo in the position. He said Cele believed Mogotsi’s activities could help uncover the alleged plan.
Matlala said his involvement began after police raided his home in December 2024. Shortly afterwards, Mogotsi allegedly contacted him while claiming to represent the Police Minister’s office.
Matlala said he was desperate to resolve his legal problems at the time. He then paid Mogotsi an initial R20,000.
Matlala later showed his messages with Mogotsi to Cele. He said the former minister advised him not to stop making payments.
According to Matlala, Cele wanted him to use the payments to uncover Mogotsi’s alleged connections. Matlala subsequently paid more than R150,000 linked to the ANC’s January 8 celebrations.
Matlala also said he paid for flight tickets during the same period. He told the commission the payments helped him maintain Mogotsi’s trust.
Under questioning, Matlala acknowledged that he never dealt directly with Mchunu. However, he maintained that Mogotsi presented himself as an authorised intermediary.
Matlala said he continued dealing with Mogotsi because he believed Mogotsi had access to senior government figures.